The Unknown Witness

Romans 10.1-17

How are they to believe in one of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone to proclaim him?

(Rom. 10.14 NRSV)

Introduction

Do you remember the character known as the “Unknown Comic?”

Paul is writing to the Romans about “The Unknown Witness.”

In Romans 10, Paul teaches that God’s salvation is “Good News”, and that news is for everyone.

Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved! (Rom. 10.13)

But, Paul says, there is a problem!

• How are they to call on the one in whom they have not believed?
• How are they to believe in one whom they have never heard?
• How are they to hear without someone proclaiming Him?
• How are they to proclaim unless they are sent?

The problem is that there are too many “Unknown Witnesses.”

We are called by God to be the KNOWN WITNESSES!

• Isaiah 6.7 – Who will go for us? Whom shall we send?
• John 20.21 – As the Father has sent me, so I send YOU!
• Matthew 28.19 – Go into the world, making disciples…
• Acts 1.8 – When the Spirit comes upon you, YOU will be my witnesses!

How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news! (Rom. 10.15b)

Conclusion

Who, in your world, hasn’t yet believed because they haven’t heard the Good New…from YOU?

The call of the Gospel, in our lives, is to live as those sent people.